Culture Secretary visits Coventry to discuss UK City of Culture plans

Coventry is Jeremy Wright’s first regional visit since being appointed

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright joined some of the UK’s leading cultural and creative institutions yesterday to discuss how to maximise the benefits of Coventry 2021.

In his first regional visit since being appointed Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Mr Wright met the team who are delivering Coventry’s UK City of Culture programme.

He was joined at Coventry Transport Museum by Phil Redmond, chair of the UK City of Culture Independent Panel, and senior representatives from the BBC, Channel 4, Arts Council England, VisitBritain, Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery Fund and Spirit of 2012.

The Tate, Science Museum Group, British Council and National Museum Director’s Council were also in attendance.

They discussed opportunities to collaborate over the next three years and how the UK City of Culture programme can be developed through working together.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said:

“UK City of Culture will be a huge moment for Coventry. As Hull 2017 demonstrated so successfully, the title can change perceptions, boost the local economy and increase access to arts and culture.

“It is important that Coventry maximises this opportunity by using culture as a catalyst for regeneration so that all communities across the city benefit.

“Coventry is my local city and I know it will rise to the occasion. I am delighted that so many of our country’s great institutions are showing their support to Coventry 2021 and I am very excited about their plans."

Coventry is pressing ahead with plans for 2021 after the appointments of Chenine Bhathena, as Creative Director, and Martin Sutherland, as Executive Director and Chief Executive.

David Burbidge, Chairman of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said:

“We have forged wonderful relationships with national bodies and organisations which are going to play a key role in making Coventry a huge success as UK City of Culture 2021.

“This was a great opportunity for the new Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright to meet our new leadership team and to hear some of our plans for 2021. Discussions were wide ranging including plans for city readiness, talent development and how partners can work together to support local artists.

“We met Jeremy during the bidding phase because he is MP for Coventry’s neighbouring constituency of Kenilworth and Southam and we look forward to working closely with him in his new role.”